September 8, 2026
Trail Ridge Road
It was such a beautiful evening up in the tundra last night. I was up here in the morning and it was near freezing with really strong winds, but this evening it was fairly warm and calm with a deep sense of peace. I stood here alone for about 40 minutes watching the light change and the clouds pass by overhead. It was gorgeous in every direction and I found myself humming "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. It really felt like a gift to be able to be in a place like this and experience the wonder of this alpine world in early autumn. Photo © copyright by Erik Stensland.